Two dead bodies discovered outside Lily Mine sets police investigation in motion

BARBERTON – The discovery of two bodies next to Lily Mine in Lows Creek on Friday has set in motion a murder investigation.

The police discovered the bodies after being alerted by residents in the early hours of the morning. The bodies were identified as Sipho Nyambi and Bheki Phiri.

Col Colin Mdluli, of the provincial police, said a preliminary investigation suggested the pair may have been stoned.
Mdluli could not confirm what the motive for the attack was and added that no arrests have been made, as the police continue their investigations.

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According to a confidential source close to the investigation, speculation is rife that Nyambi and Phiri may be linked to the rampant illegal mining in the area.

“We do not know whether they were murdered somewhere else and their bodies dumped here, but we suspect that they may have had ties with illegal mining,” the source told Lowvelder.

Following the discovery on Friday, the Mpumalanga police conducted a raid on the mine on Saturday morning. According to a source, details of the operation were leaked and no arrests were effected during the planned operation.

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“He will face charges of the illegal possession of dagga, trespassing, and contravening the Immigration Act.”

Mdluli called on anyone with information that may help the police with their investigation to call 10111 or send an SMS to 32211.

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“Alternatively, the public can anonymously call 08600-10111 or download MYSAPSAPP and send information to the police.”